A miniature Israel-built drone aircraft, small enough to escape detection by most radar units, was unveiled for the public here this week and will be displayed at an exhibition of military communications and electronic equipment opening in Washington next month. The pilotless plane, manufactured by the Tadiron Co., an Israeli producer of electronic and communications systems, is intended for use by the Israel Air Force and for sale abroad.
Tadiran says a package unit, consisting of six drones and monitoring equipment, will sell for $500,000, about a quarter the price of similar units manufactured in other countries. The entire package, called the “Mastiff,” represents four years of research and development and an investment by Tadiran of $4.5 million.
The drone carries a video camera and is designated officially as a reconnaissance plane. But it has other potential uses that remain classified. Tadiran will also display a new radar analysis system at the Washington exhibition. Named “Ras,” it is said to be capable of sorting out dangerous radar signals, such as those used to guide missiles, from the thousands of other radar pulses that fill the air.
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